finnishthoughtshttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com
Everyday thoughts from a FinnThu, 17 Aug 2017 10:46:28 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngfinnishthoughtshttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com
Painhttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/pain/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/pain/#respondThu, 17 Aug 2017 10:41:28 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/pain/More]]>Yesterday was the second time in one year that I had to rush to the hospital’s Emergency Room due to very severe stomach pain. After the first time I didn’t believe the diagnosis: gall bladder stones. Basically it was because it was 7 hours after my last meal, it didn’t make any sense. And the doctor’s comment: “Well that’s my best guess” didn’t help either.

This time, though. Symptoms started just under one hour after eating delicious, home-cooked chilli con carne. As I was heading to work, I just took pain medicine and trusted that the pain would go away. Well it didn’t. The pain just kept intensifying and finally, after about 4,5 hours I had to give in. I had to inform my boss that I couldn’t continue in the shift and off to the hospital I went.

For the first time in my four decades of life, the pain was so excruciating that I started to hyperventilate. Quite frankly, I couldn’t lay down, sit up, sit down, stand up, walk… there was nothing except the pain.

Luckily after two different pain medicines, one opiate and one directly to my vein, the pain subsides to a level I could stand it. And immediately, I fell asleep. After dozing on and off for several hours, I started really to feel better and was discharged later on.

Now? I’m waiting for a letter to an operation to remove the gall bladder.

Moral of the story? Add exercising to your life and eat healthily. Quite ready-made meals and cook yourself.

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/08/17/pain/feed/0druusiHealth issues?https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/health-issues/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/health-issues/#respondSat, 03 Jun 2017 02:25:25 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/?p=219More]]>Many times we hear that fasting works miracles with one’s health. It is true, at least in grander scale of things, but there are some day-to-day issues that should be looked into. Especially when for the past few days I have shared with you some information on what to eat and what not.

Remember to drink enough, and if you are an active person, consider having some sports drinks in there as well.

Personally, I need to take blood pressure medicine, luckily only once a day. During Ramadan I usually adjust the timing so, that I take it just before sohoor as usually I take my medicine in the morning anyway. This way the rhythm doesn’t change too drastically.

Being Finnish, cutting down on coffee is a chore. Usually during Ramadan I drink one mug after Iftar and it is enough for me.

This is also the case of “fast carbs”. They raise the blood sugar level quickly and then follows the crash as our insulin kicks in. That’s why we should have more of the complex carbs to keep blood sugar level more stable.

Also remember that salt is important! Not in excess though.

This usually, at least for me, is the problem of the first few days of Ramadan, but after that my stomach feels much better.

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/health-issues/feed/0druusiWhat not to eat?https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/what-not-to-eat/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/what-not-to-eat/#respondFri, 02 Jun 2017 00:35:16 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/?p=212More]]>Yesterday I posted about things to eat. Today, let’s look at things on the opposite end of the spectrum. Especially those of us who reside in countries where the fast is long, we need to carefully consider what to eat and drink so that the energy levels wouldn’t drop in the last hours of the fast. Luckily, some time ago, I came across the following information in Facebook, and I can now share this with you all.

Fried and fatty foods, also known as comfort food. In this category I would also add the processed foods.

When you cook yourself, you know what you have put in the food, and it’s clear of all preservatives and chemicals that can play havoc with your intestinal system during the fast.

It’s ok to have something sweet, as many of us have a sweet tooth, but not in excess. Besides, Ramadan is a brilliant time to change the habits!

This, for me, is one of the most difficult ones!

I bring up the issue of long fasting hours up many times, but obviously it’s true. Long fast means less time to eat, but still we should have self-restraint so that we wouldn’t over indulge as it means we cannot have anything for suhoor if we still feel full from Iftar.

Again, avoid excess! Instead of tea or coffee, drink water.

In my opinion, everyone should quit smoking. Not just because it’s a vile habit, and you can get cancer from it, but also because your smoking can give those around you cancer as well. So please, switch to patches or nicotine gum and quit completely. PS. Vaping is as bad (if not worse for your lungs) as smoking.

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/what-not-to-eat/feed/0druusiWhat to eat?https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/01/what-to-eat/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/01/what-to-eat/#respondThu, 01 Jun 2017 03:00:26 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/?p=206More]]>Especially those of us who reside in countries where the fast is long, we need to carefully consider what to eat and drink so that the energy levels wouldn’t drop in the last hours of the fast. Luckily, some time ago, I came across the following information in Facebook, and I can now share this with you all.

I have divided this topic over the next few days because there is lots of information on what to eat, what not to eat, and what health concerns there might be.

To me it’s a bit strange to have a picture of white bread on this. The carbs in the white bread are not as complex as in wholewheat bread or rye bread. I would also recommend rye bread (unless you reside in the Nordics, rye bread can usually be found in health food stores) because of the fibre it contains.

I personally believe that this is why dates are the food we should break our fast with.

During the fast, we sweat. With sweat we lose things like salt, and magnesium which we need to replenish for the following day.

Protein is a building block for muscles, so it is important. Fibre helps with keeping the hunger pangs at bay, and also helps our intestines to work normally during fast.

Drinking is very important! As a general rule, we need roughly between 2 to 2,5 litres of water per day, and in addition to that we need to take in extra if we are in a hot and humid climate. So, before Ramadan, make a plan how to drink that amount during the time when you are allowed to drink! And remember – have maximum of 0,5 litres at one go so that your body gets the most benefit from it!

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/06/01/what-to-eat/feed/0druusiBreaking the Fasthttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/breaking-the-fast/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/breaking-the-fast/#respondWed, 31 May 2017 04:00:31 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/?p=198More]]>Yesterday I wrote about the deeper meaning of fasting, and how we all should strive to understand the meaning behind. At the same time we know that drinking water invalidates he fast, or eating for that matter. But are we aware of other things?

Some time ago I happened by some good posts about this in Facebook (sadly I cannot recall the source!) and thought of sharing this with you.

I have to say that I have been approached by my nurse colleagues on several occasions wondering how can I fast in Finland where the fasting time is really long and they should put IV fluids for me. Sadly, it breaks the fast.

These are more medicinal, and perhaps in that way not so common so in my opinion it is good to realise these as well.

And for the more common ones, there is a proper list made for that.

Ramadan kareem!

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/breaking-the-fast/feed/0druusiAbout abstinencehttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/about-abstinence/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/about-abstinence/#respondTue, 30 May 2017 00:15:16 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/?p=190More]]>Observing Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam and must be observed by all Muslims who are able so to do. Even I learned that in school in the 1980’s Finland. On the other hand we also were told that it’s ok to eat during the night time because Allah cannot see. Which, if I think it now, is just silly.

But do we concentrate on the fasting part too much, and forget the why we fast? Do we fast because we just do it, or do we actually take the time left available to ponder about the deeper meaning of Ramadan?

Many of us, me writing this and you reading this, come from countries that have access to Internet, we have plenty of food and drink, we have proper houses, etc. We can watch the slow daytime hours go by with Netflix or spend them studying or working. Those who can, take their summer holiday during this time to avoid the extra stress from work.

I have to admit that I get carried away with that sometimes, just waiting for the fast to end so that I can have the first glass of water with dates. But it really shouldn’t be about that – the fast and giving up the things that we take for granted should help us to be thankful of the blessing we have and also, remember those who don’t have the same abundance of things that we do!

Last year in Finland, we had thousands of refugees coming. Majority of them were Muslims and as they were placed in refugee centres, there wasn’t exactly the best means to make or have food after the sun set. But what I like about the Muslims in Finland is that some of them invited people to their places to break fast, some people cooked for the centres, allowing people inside to have Iftar, and some went and talked with the administration explaining the need to cook or have food late at night during Ramadan.

Ramadan isn’t about me. It’s about us as a community. It’s about realising that by our actions we can make a difference, we can actually help.

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/about-abstinence/feed/0druusiRamadan and eatinghttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/29/ramadan-and-eating/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/29/ramadan-and-eating/#respondMon, 29 May 2017 02:54:37 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/29/ramadan-and-eating/More]]>I am currently in Malaysia visiting my husband’s side of the family and here it is quite customary that some eating places don’t serve Malays during the daylight hours of Ramadan. And what I have read from the Internet, the rules are even more strict in places like the U.A.E.

Being also a nurse, my Western set of mind kicked in: if it is frowned upon for you to eat in public during the daylight hours, but at the same time it is between you and Allah how and what you do… what would be wrong and questionable in eating in McDonalds or someplace?

No one would bat an eyelid if I went there but the moment someone “who looks like a Muslim” enters, you can see the stares. But no one asks anything. Why? Instead of asking the obvious, people tend to stay silent and think they know. And that can cause fitnah. All I know, my writings can cause fitnah because I am saying that in certain occasions it is ok and advisable to break your fast and eat or drink!

Let’s take an example: a person is diabetic. As a general rule, they shouldn’t fast, but there is even scientific proof that type II diabetics benefit from fasting, so the person fasts. However, during the day as it is hot and humid, the person feels their blood sugar level dip so they have to eat. And if the waiter gives that person a condemning look it really doesn’t help the situation.

I admit – usually diabetics are well aware of their condition and carry emergency glucose with them, but sometimes not. And in those cases it might even be helpful to know what’s going on instead of presuming that the person is going against the prescribed fast. Don’t you agree?

Ramadan kareem!

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/29/ramadan-and-eating/feed/0druusiMisinformationhttps://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/misinformation/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/misinformation/#respondSun, 28 May 2017 12:00:11 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/?p=186More]]>Actually, according to my high school maths teacher, the above is actually true in some cases. He managed to explain it using some very extensive mathematical formulas, but it was all Hebrew to me.

But in many cases, especially in the modern world with social media, the above is actually as far from the truth as can be. Or it might have some of the truth there, but twisted so that it serves the agenda of the writer or publisher.

I am not going to go and give you examples of this as I trust you to be able to go to Facebook and dig some out yourselves. All I ask, is that before you repost any news, check the validity from at least two more sources. And when doing that, read what those news have to say about it. See if there is any difference in the way the news is being written or broadcast.

This time around I really got thinking after my brother in law told me about a news blogger whose news always seem to echo the worries of a particular political leader.

“That is propaganda, not misinformation”, you might think. It is true, but when you add a bit more embellishment on the worries, such as xenophobia or point fingers on past political leaders in hope that they get the blame for the actions of the current leaders, then it becomes misinformation. In the news there still might be the seed of truth hidden inside, but you as the reader, need to be clever enough to see past the smoke screen to find it.

As it is being observed throughout the world, in different countries, we all should take a moment to count our blessings.

For some of us, the fasting time might be 10 hours, and for some of us it’s actually nearing 22 hours. For some of us it is a chore, whilst others see it as a time to reflect on all aspects of life.

This year, we in the western world should really open our eyes and see what is happening around us. If we, as Muslims, would unite once and for all, forgetting our differences, and would help our societies, there would be no room for extremism. But in order to help our communities we would have to think outside the box for a moment, and understand that not everyone is the same, and the not everyone wishes to be the same.

When I reverted to Islam, over five years ago, I was eagerly waiting for my first ever Ramadan. When it came, it did strike me odd, that there clearly was a class division visible. Some people of some ethnic background saw themselves as people to be waited on, and who didn’t have to clean after themselves on the communal Iftar we participated. When confronted about this, they left laughing and didn’t attend the break fast for several days.

Why did it strike me odd? Because we should remember the teachings of our beloved Prophet (s.a.w.). Everyone is created equal.

If, within our own community, we cannot resolve conflicts by understanding the teachings of our Prophet (s.a.w.), how can we hope to survive in the modern world?

My goal this Ramadan, and I hope that it would be a goal worthwhile for other people too, is to ponder about equality, and community. How can we create a community where everyone’s voice is as important as the voice of everyone else.

Ramadan kareem to each and everyone!

]]>https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/28/ramadan-kareem/feed/0druusi“You’ll feel better soon!”https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/youll-feel-better-soon/
https://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/youll-feel-better-soon/#respondTue, 16 May 2017 10:20:11 +0000http://finnishthoughts.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/youll-feel-better-soon/More]]>How many times have we all said that sentence to someone who is going through a rough patch in their lives? Browsing Google with that sentence as a search parameter gives tons of images with either that sentence or something similar printed on them.

Whilst he idea behind the “you’ll feel better soon” is noble, most of us know that time is the great healer, but does saying it to someone who is anguished really help?

My anguished relative made me think, luckily before I managed to utter that sentence to him. He said a few things:

1) Saying that sentence really doesn’t help, it feels like something that anyone can say without meaning anything.

2) We don’t know if they will be better, even with time.

With the second part I would filter it down a bit; after all my nephew is still young and all the emotions and situations are experienced like either they raise you to the seventh heaven or cast you down to ninth hell.

But with the first part, I agree. It’s more of a platitude nowadays; something we can say with a slight pat to the shoulder. Keep calm and carry on!

I feel, I know, that words have power. But if we keep throwing them around without meaning them they will lose the power, their meaning.

So next time someone comes and is anguished and needs you, be there with actions, with words, and show that you care.